He was born September 16, 1933, in Omaha, Nebraska, to Willis Louis and Ruth Larinda Jeppson Peterson. He grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah, and graduated from Granite High School in 1952.

On December 18, 1952, he married Irene Graham in Salt Lake City, Utah.

He lived in Omaha, Indiana, Pleasant Grove, Utah, Salt Lake City, and Idaho Falls. He sold sporting goods, worked in advertising, and as a Herbalife distributor.

He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, boat racing and archery shooting.

He loved his wife and his children very much.

Survivors include his wife, Irene Peterson of Idaho Falls; 7 daughters; Jeralee (Randy) Neibaur of Newdale, Idaho, Jana (Ken) Peters of Pocatello, Jolynn (Don) Reed of Rigby, Jody Clements of Shelley, Jeanine (Rick) Nielson of Rexburg, Jeana (Brad) Nielsen of American Fork, Utah; one son, Jed (Rachelle) Peterson of Idaho Falls; 35 grandchildren and 40 great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Robert Peterson, and a son-in-law, Rick Clayton.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, December 1, 2008, at the Ammon LDS 22nd Ward, 2200 S. Stafford, in Idaho Falls, with Bishop Ron Poulsen officiating. The family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 p.m., Sunday, November 30, 2008, at Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First Street, and one hour prior to the services at the church. Interment will be in the Ammon Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.coltrinmortuary.com .

Map to the Church

Map to Ammon Cemetery